Middleton Railway facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Middleton Railway
Main station building on Moor Road.
Locale	Hunslet, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Terminus	Moor Road
Coordinates	53°46′30″N 1°32′19″W / 53.775070°N 1.538600°W / 53.775070; -1.538600
Commercial operations
Name	Middleton Railway
Built by	Charles Brandling
Original gauge	until 1881 4 ft 1 in (1,245 mm) From 1881 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Preserved operations
Owned by	The Middleton Railway Trust Ltd.
Operated by	The Middleton Railway Trust Ltd.
Stations	2
Length	0.96 miles (1.54 km)
Preserved gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
1758	Construction of first waggonway
1799	Wooden tracks replaced with iron edge rails
1812	Introduction of steam locomotives
c. 1835	Line reverts to horse drawn trains
1866	Return of steam locomotives
1881	Line converted to 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
1947	Rationalisation of the Line
1960	Line taken over by preservation society
Preservation history
June 1960	One week passenger service
1960	Start of freight service
1969	Start of regular passenger service
1983	End of freight service
Headquarters	Moor Road station
Website
middletonrailway.org.uk/

The Middleton Railway is the world's oldest railway that has been working non-stop since it began. It is located in the city of Leeds, England. The railway started in 1758. Today, it is a heritage railway, which means it's kept working to show how railways used to be. Volunteers from The Middleton Railway Trust Ltd. have run it since 1960.

The railway offers rides for passengers on weekends and public holidays. It runs for about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) between its main station at Moor Road in Hunslet and Park Halt, which is near Middleton Park.

How the Railway Started: Middleton Coal Mines

"The Collier", a painting from 1814 showing a Matthew Murray steam locomotive (Salamanca) on the Middleton Railway.

People have been digging for coal in Middleton since the 1200s. They used different types of pits and tunnels to get the coal out. Anne Leigh, who owned the Middleton land, married Ralph Brandling. They lived far away, so agents managed the coal mines for them. Charles Brandling took over later.

In 1754, Richard Humble, an agent from Tyneside, faced a problem. Other coal sellers could send their coal to Leeds by river, which was cheaper. Middleton's coal was at a disadvantage. Humble's idea was to build "waggonways." These were like early railways, common in his home area. The first waggonway was built in 1755. It crossed Brandling's land and friendly neighbors' land to reach loading points by the river.

The Middleton Railway Act of 1757

In 1757, Charles Brandling wanted to build a waggonway closer to Leeds. To make sure it would last, he asked for a special law from Parliament. This law, passed in 1758, was the very first one to allow a railway to be built!

The law was called:

An Act for Establishing Agreement made between Charles Brandling, Esquire, and other Persons, Proprietors of Lands, for laying down a Waggon-Way in order for the better supplying the Town and Neighbourhood of Leeds in the County of York, with Coals.

This law helped the Middleton Railway carry coal cheaply from the Middleton mines to a loading area in Leeds, near the River Aire. Not all the land belonged to Brandling. So, the law gave him the right to use land he didn't own, called a "wayleave." The railway was privately funded and started with horse-drawn wagons. Around 1799, the wooden tracks were replaced with stronger iron rails. These rails were 4 feet 1 inch wide.

Because of the cheap Middleton coal, Leeds grew into a big industrial city. Many factories and businesses used coal for heat and power. This included pottery, brick, glass making, metal working, and brewing.

The First Steam Engines

Salamanca

In 1812, the Middleton Railway became the first railway to successfully use steam locomotives for business. John Blenkinsop, the mine's manager, had a challenge. He knew that a steam engine light enough not to break the tracks wouldn't have enough grip to pull heavy coal wagons up the steep hills.

So, he came up with a clever idea. He added a special toothed rail to one side of the track. He patented this "rack and pinion" system in 1811. Then, he asked Matthew Murray from Holbeck to design a locomotive with a gear that would fit into this toothed rail. Murray's design was based on an earlier engine. It was probably named Salamanca. This 1812 locomotive was the first to use two cylinders. These cylinders helped the engine start easily, no matter where it stopped.

Salamanca was the first steam locomotive to work well for a business. Three more locomotives were built for the Middleton coal mine. Steam engines were used on the railway for over twenty years.

The Middleton Railway also had other "firsts." It was the first railway to regularly use steam locomotives for freight trains. This meant it was also the first to hire a train driver. The world's first regular, professional train driver was James Hewitt. He was a former mine worker trained by the engine builders. Sadly, the first person from the public to be killed by a locomotive was a 13-year-old boy named John Bruce. He was killed in February 1813 while running near the tracks.

A child named David Joy saw the engine and wasn't very impressed. He later became a famous engineer. He said:

Living in Hunslet Lane... the old coal railway... ran behind our house... we used to see the steam from the engines rise above the trees. Once I remember going with my nurse... while we stood to watch the engine... We were told it would come up like a flash of lightning, but it only came lumbering on like a cart.

Boiler Explosions and Horses

On February 28, 1818, the Salamanca's boiler exploded. The driver was killed. The explosion was so powerful it threw parts of the engine 100 yards into a field. This happened because the driver had tampered with the safety valves.

Another boiler explosion happened on February 12, 1834, killing the driver again. This time, the boiler was likely very old and worn out. Repairs were not done as well after Blenkinsop died. The driver killed this time was James Hewitt, the world's first regular locomotive driver.

The Blenkinsop engines worked for thirty years. Even in 1829, they were still pulling heavy loads of coal. At least two were working until 1835.

After this, horses were used to pull the trains again. Steam engines were stopped, except for a short section near the main mine. On this part, a stationary steam engine pulled wagons using a chain.

Steam Returns

Steam engines came back to the railway in 1866. These were "tank engines" from a local company called Manning Wardle. In 1881, the railway tracks were changed to the "standard gauge" (4 feet 8.5 inches). This allowed the Middleton Railway to connect with the Midland Railway. Later, it also connected to the Great Northern Railway in 1899. Other businesses, like a scrapyard and an engineering works, also had sidings connected to the railway.

In 1947, the Middleton Estate & Colliery Co. became part of the national National Coal Board. Some parts of the railway were closed. Coal was mainly moved on the line between the Great Northern Railway connection and Broom Pit.

In 1960, a group of people who wanted to save old railways, mostly from Leeds University, were allowed to use an unused part of the line. This part was between Moor Road and the Great Northern Railway connection. When Broom Pit closed in 1968, these preservationists, now called the Middleton Railway Trust, reconnected the line. They could then run trains to the old Broom Pit site, keeping the railway working without a break.

Saving the Railway

The engine shed museum

Middleton Railway Blue Plaque

In June 1960, the Middleton Railway became the first standard-gauge railway to be taken over and run by volunteers. At first, passenger rides only ran for one week. They used a large double-deck tram pulled by a diesel locomotive.

However, the volunteers then started a freight service (carrying goods) from September 1960 until 1983. Regular passenger services began in 1969.

The Middleton Steam Railway is now home to many locomotives built in the Hunslet area of Leeds. These include engines from famous makers like John Fowler & Co., Hudswell Clarke, Hunslet Engine Company, Kitson & Co., and Manning Wardle. One of their locomotives, "Sir Berkeley," was even in the 1968 BBC TV show "The Railway Children"! This locomotive is owned by the Museum of Rail Travel.

The Railway Route and Stations

The railway line officially starts with the Balm Road Branch. This branch connects the Middleton Railway to the main Leeds - Sheffield railway lines. However, this connection hasn't been used since 1990 and is now closed off. This part of the track crosses several roads. It is only used for special events because the line and crossings would need big upgrades for regular use.

A short distance from the Moor Road crossing is the main station, Moor Road station. Here, you'll find the Engine House museum and workshops. There is also a single platform for trains. This spot used to be a junction where lines split off to the Midland Railway and to the Kidacre Street coal loading area in the city center.

Leaving Moor Road, you'll see several locomotives and wagons stored on side tracks before the tunnel. This tunnel is the only one on the route. It allows the railway to go under the M621 motorway. It's about 80 meters (263 feet) long. Right after the tunnel, there's a junction with the Dartmouth Branch. This short section of track used to connect local metal industries to the main line. It's sometimes used for special events and for training railway workers.

After the Dartmouth Branch, the line enters Middleton Park. The railway passes the John Charles Centre for Sport on one side and the South Leeds Academy on the other. There are two bridges over this section: one for a road and one for a footpath connecting the school and sports center.

Park Halt railway station is the end of the line for passenger services. It's located near the old Broom Pit coal mine and on the edge of Middleton Park. In the past, other branches continued from here to different pits. The station has a platform for Middleton Park and a loop of track. This loop allows trains to go around the carriages and get ready for the return journey.

There have been talks for many years about extending the railway further into Middleton Park. This would be a big project requiring a lot of digging and money.

Route Gallery

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  NER 1310 at the northerly most point during a gala in July 2017. A passing "northern" 158 is on the main line

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  Section of the Balm Road Branch looking towards Moor Road station from the Beza Road crossing.

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  Railcar using the Moor Road crossing. Moor Road station is located on the left.

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  Platform at Moor Road.

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  From Moor Road station to the tunnel.

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  Middleton Railway main line just prior to the tunnel, looking back towards Moor Road station.

• Leeds Middleton railway - geograph.uk - 1018389.jpg

  M621 tunnel north end.

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  Platform at Park Halt.

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  End of the line. Run round loop for Park Halt can be seen in the distance.

The Locomotives

The Middleton Railway has many different types of locomotives, both steam and diesel. They are either working, being repaired, or on display.

Steam Locomotives

Number / Name	Type	Builder	Notes	Image
Working Now
2387 Brookes No.1	0-6-0ST	Hunslet Engine Company	This engine used to look like a famous tank engine character. It has now been changed back to its original look. It was repaired and returned to service in 2017. It is one of the main engines used for rides.
3860 No. 6	0-4-0ST	Hawthorn Leslie and Company	This engine worked at a cement factory. It was once named after a famous railway character, but that name is no longer used. It returned to service in 2021 and is a main engine for rides.
1210 Sir Berkeley	L Class 0-6-0ST	Manning Wardle	This engine will be working until 2033. It is on loan from the Museum of Rail Travel. It returned to service in 2023 after being repaired by the Middleton Railway. It will be a main engine for rides when it's not visiting other railways.
LNER No. 54 / BR No. 68153 / Departmental No. 57	LNER Class Y1 0-4-0VBT	Sentinel Waggon Works	This engine returned to service in 2021. More work is needed before it can be used regularly for passengers. It is currently on display in the museum.
Being Repaired
1544 Slough Estates No. 3	0-6-0ST	Hudswell Clarke	Built in 1924. It arrived in 2011 and started being repaired in 2022. It is currently taken apart. The railway hopes it will be working again in 2024.
1493 No. 11	0-4-0ST	Hunslet Engine Company	This engine is owned by a member of the railway trust. It has been undergoing repairs for over 20 years. It is a long-term project.
On Display
1310	NER Class H / LNER Class Y7 0-4-0T	Gateshead Railway Works	This engine worked until July 2023. It is now on display in the Engine House museum, waiting for repairs.
385	Chemnitz 0-4-0WT	Richard Hartmann	This engine used to belong to the Danish State Railways. It worked until 1999. It is now on display in the Engine House museum.
1309 Henry De Lacy II	0-4-0ST	Hudswell Clarke	This engine has been restored to look good and is on display in the Engine House museum. You can even go inside the driver's cab!
1369 M.S.C. No.67	0-6-0T	Hudswell Clarke	This engine stopped working in 2012 and is now on display in the Engine House museum.
1601 Matthew Murray	L Class 0-6-0ST	Manning Wardle	This engine returned to service in 2010 but stopped working in 2021. It needs expensive repairs, including a new part for its cylinders.
1882 Mirvale	0-4-0ST	Hudswell Clarke	This engine is on display in the Engine House Museum, and you can go inside its cab.
526 Hawarden	0-4-0ST	Hudswell Clarke	Built in 1899. It arrived at the Middleton Railway in 2024.
5469 Conway	0-6-0ST	Kitson and Company	This engine was partly restored to look good for display. It returned to Middleton in 2022. The railway plans to finish its cosmetic restoration when they have time and money. It is currently on display.
Stored
1540 Picton	2-6-2T	Hunslet Engine Company	This engine originally worked on a sugar cane railway far away. It was brought to England to be saved. Many of its parts were rusted. It is stored under a special shelter. The railway hopes to restore it to its original look.
1684	0-4-0T	Hunslet Engine Company	This engine is stored undercover. It needs a lot of work to be restored because it is very rusty and has not run for a long time. It is too expensive to restore right now.
2003 John Blenkinsop	0-4-0ST	Peckett and Sons	This engine is stored at another railway museum. It had some cosmetic restoration there. The Middleton Railway hopes to bring it back one day for full restoration, but it's not likely to happen soon due to cost and resources.
References:

Diesel and Electric Locomotives

Number / Name	Type	Builder	Notes	Image
Working Now
45	0-6-0DM	Hudswell Clarke	This is the main diesel engine used on the railway. It runs regularly on Saturday diesel train services and is often used as a backup.
D577 Mary	0-4-0DM	Hudswell Clarke	Built in 1932. It is on display in the museum and is sometimes used for special events.
D631 Carroll	0-4-0DM	Hudswell Clarke	Built in 1946. It is on display in the museum and is sometimes used for special events.
1697 John Alcock	LMS diesel shunter 7051 0-6-0DM	Hunslet Engine Company	This was the first locomotive owned by the Middleton Railway Trust. It is on display in the museum and is sometimes used for special events.
1786 Courage	0-4-0DM	Hunslet Engine Company	Named after the brewery where it worked. It can only run with another locomotive because it lacks certain brakes. It is mainly used during special events.
5003 Austins No. 1	0-4-0DM	Peckett and Sons	Built in 1961. It was acquired in 2001 and is used regularly on the Saturday diesel service.
D2999 Alf	British Rail Class D2/11 0-4-0DE	Brush/Beyer Peacock	This engine started working in 2015. It is used regularly on the Saturday diesel service.
4220033 Harry	0-4-0DM	John Fowler & Co.	This engine returned to service in 2016. It was damaged by vandals in 2019 but was repaired and returned to service in late 2022. It is used regularly on the Saturday diesel service.
Not Working
6981	0-4-0DM	Hunslet Engine Company	This engine is currently being restored. It needs a full engine repair and other work before it can carry passengers. It is expected to be finished in 2023–2024.
420452	Coke Oven locomotive	Greenwood and Batley	This is an electric locomotive built in 1979. It is stored undercover but not on public display due to lack of space. The railway hopes to restore it and display it elsewhere.
DB998901 Olive	Overhead Line Inspection Vehicle	Drewry Car Co.	Built in 1950. It was damaged by fire in 2016. It received major body repairs. It is waiting for funding to restore its inside and fix mechanical problems. It is unknown when it will return to service.
3900002	0-4-0DM	John Fowler & Co.	This engine is on static display in the Engine House. Its engine doors have been removed to show visitors how the engine works.
References:

Trams

After the Mumbles Railway closed, people tried to save some of its trams at the Middleton Railway. One tram (No. 2) was saved by students from Leeds University. However, it was badly damaged by vandals and later destroyed by fire. An experimental Leeds tram (No. 601) and another tram (No. 202) were also saved. But they too were destroyed by vandalism and fire in 1962. More trams suffered the same fate in 1968.

Number / Name	Type	Builder	Notes	Image
Scrapped
No. 2	Double Deck Tram seating 106 passengers	Brush Electrical Company	Built around 1929.

Rolling Stock

This section lists the passenger carriages and wagons used on the railway.

Number / Name	Type	Builder	Notes	Image
Passenger Carriages
1867	PMV Standard Brake	Southern Railway	This carriage was changed from an old mail van. It has heating.
2084	PMV Standard Trailer	Southern Railway	This carriage was also changed from an old mail van. It has heating.
1074	PMV Standard Brake	Southern Railway	This carriage was changed from an old mail van. It has heating and is designed for easier wheelchair access.
860E	Brake Van	Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon works	This brake van can hold 10 people. It is often used during special events and on Santa Special trains. It has special brakes.
158760	LMS Brake Van	LMS (Derby)	This brake van has been fully restored, including all its wooden parts. It is rarely used because it is very heavy. It is currently on display in the museum, and you can go inside.
References: